‘We’ve been here for thousands of years’: Medicine Hat marks National Indigenous Peoples Day

At Kin Park, powwow and a teepee raising ceremony took place.

At Kin Park, teepees were on display Friday. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

Brenda Mercer, owner of the White Horse Rider, led the smudging ceremony and shared her life journey from a 60s scoop survivor to where she is today.

Mercer said that it’s important for people to continue telling their stories.

“I think it’s just to know that we’re still here,” Mercer said.

“Indigenous people have always been very resilient. We’ve been here for thousands of years, and we continue to be here for thousands more,” she added.

“I think this is an opportunity for people to come out and maybe ask questions. Why do you wear the ribbon skirt? What does it mean to you? Maybe this is a safe space that we create for them to do that.”

Mercer gifted Mayor Linnsie Clark a drum during the ceremony at city hall in an effort to share her culture on a personal level.

“It comes with teachings, and teachings are just another way to pass on knowledge,” Mercer said.

“Because this was a first, I felt like we’re going to start in a good way and I wanted to give them that for the city.”

National Indigenous Peoples Day was originally passed into law in 1996 after the efforts of then Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc.

Saturday’s weekly block party at Towne Square will focus on a theme of Celebrating Indigeneity.

by Adrian St.Onge

‘We’ve been here for thousands of years’: Medicine Hat marks National Indigenous Peoples Day

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